Dorothy Joyce Calicchio

Dorothy Joyce Calicchio (nee Krynick)

Entered God’s loving arms on November 12, 2023. Born in Racine on September 27, 1933, Dorothy spent the first part of her life with her mother Beulah Berry, stepfather Stephen, and four stepbrothers, George, Steve, Donald and Arthur.

In 1950, Dorothy’s family relocated to Montana. However, she chose to complete her high school education in Wisconsin at Racine Horlick High School, living with her cherished Aunt Violet and Uncle Jerry. Following graduation, Dorothy began working at SC Johnson Wax and soon had ambitions to establish a career in advertising, even enjoying a brush with fame as she was chosen to be featured on the company’s magazine cover alongside Red Skelton.

As a young adult in the 50’s, dance halls were a common place to gather with friends. And so, on one such evening, a handsome, young Italian saw a beautiful, strawberry blond and decided that he would dance with her before anyone else had the opportunity. Dorothy and the love of her life, Louie, were married on July 28, 1956 in Racine, WI and moved to Milwaukee, WI to begin their 63 year marriage together and raise a family. Their daughter, Lynn, was born in 1958 followed by a son, Michael, eighteen months later in 1959.

After her children were in school, Dorothy began working part-time, first at Gimbel’s department store on Mitchell Street and later at Boston Store where she worked in their china department until her retirement. Her love for the holidays shone through her work, as she was responsible for bringing the Christmas department to life each year. Needing to stay busy and productive, Dorothy returned to working for many years at Panera Bread, where she was beloved by both customers and her fellow coworkers.

Dorothy's life was an ode to love, family, and friendships, passions conveyed through her hobbies and interests. Ballroom dancing with her late husband, Louis Calicchio, colored the canvas of her life. Making lifelong friendships among Louie's ballroom dance students, they glided through countless ballrooms, cities, and countries, traveling extensively. They also loved their coffee group in Greendale, where they were regulars, with Dorothy continuing the tradition after Louie’s passing. Dorothy cherished her role as a grandma, enthusiastically supporting her grandchildren and reveling in their achievements and joys. The birth of her sweet great-granddaughters, Addilyn and Lily, provided much happiness and always brought a beaming smile to her face.

Dorothy was an expert hostess and a phenomenal cook. Her dinner parties were legendary, including an international dinner group, with the blend of scrumptious recipes and heartwarming laughter filling her home. She and Louie were indispensable assets planning years of dinner dances at Our Lady of Lourdes, where they were founding members. Their faith was very important to them and guided their lives. Dorothy was a member of the Christian Women Society, where she humbly took on various committee responsibilities, even serving as president.

Gift-giving was Dorothy's love language, and Christmas was a special occasion where she lavished her family with carefully chosen presents. Passionate about transforming her house into a festive wonderland, Dorothy decorated her home for each holiday throughout the year with creativity, making every moment special for her family and friends.

Dorothy is survived by her daughter, Lynn (Tom) Nackers, son, Michael Calicchio, granddaughter, Melissa (Jordan) Wescott, grandson, Jason (Monica) Konek and great-granddaughters, Addilyn and Lily Wescott. Her legacy will live on in the hearts of her family and friends, and she will be fondly remembered for her passion and her unwavering love for her family. Her zest for life, her kindness, and her generosity will be deeply missed, but her memory will continue to inspire all who knew her.

Visitation will be on Saturday, November 18th, at Our Lady of Lourdes, 3722 S. 58th St, Milwaukee, WI 53220, from 9:00 AM until 10:45 AM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 AM. Entombment at St. Adalbert Cemetery.